Arts & Life

6:56 am

Thu July 11, 2013

Federal budget cuts may mean traffic snarls for Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - The military says traffic congestion is getting worse at Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal because of personnel reductions linked to federal budget cuts. Federal spending cutbacks mean fewer workers are able to staff entrances to the sprawling base, and that has meant long lines for motorists waiting to get through security checkpoints. Officials say problems are worst on Fridays because of scheduling, but the impact is being felt throughout the week. Traffic is being cut back by at least one lane at each base entrance. Thousands of commuters drive to the base daily, and some have complained about the delays on social media and elsewhere. The garrison commander, Col. John S. Hamilton, is asking for patience and says leaders are trying to make improvements.